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A Paralympic marathon runner was disqualified for a split-second decision to assist her cramping guide, sparking controversy and debate.
Spanish marathon runner Elena Congost experienced a heart-wrenching turn of events at the Paralympics when her act of sportsmanship led to the denial of a bronze medal.
Competing in the T12 category for athletes with visual impairments Congost was on the verge of securing a podium finish in a grueling race that demanded not just physical endurance but immense coordination and teamwork with her guide.
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The incident unfolded just meters from the finish line when Congost’s guide Mia Carol Bruguera began to suffer from severe cramps.
In a split-second decision driven by instinct and concern Congost momentarily released the tether linking her to Bruguera in an attempt to prevent her guide from falling.
This brief act of letting go, meant to support her struggling partner, unfortunately led to a crucial rule violation.
“I’m devastated, to be honest, because I had the medal,” Congost said, according to the Telegraph UK.
“I’m super proud of everything I’ve done and in the end they disqualified me because 10 meters from the finish line because I let the rope go for a second."
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The rules of the T12 marathon are strict requiring that the runner and their guide remain connected by a tether throughout the race.
This regulation is in place to ensure fairness and safety given the nature of the visual impairments of the competitors.
Despite the clearly unintentional nature of her action, the momentary release of the tether resulted in an immediate disqualification from the race.
“It was a reflex act of any human, to hold on to a person who is falling next to you. But they say that I have let go of the rope for a second and since I have let it go, that’s it, there is no turning back.
I don’t understand that. It’s not for cheating, it’s not for dragging down an athlete. I am left with nothing. I can’t find any explanation for it and it seems so unfair and so surreal, really,” Congost expressed her frustration and disbelief over the decision.
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The race was won by Moroccan runner Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi, with her compatriot Meryem En-Nourhi taking second place.
Japan’s Misato Michishita, initially finishing fourth, was elevated to third place following Congost’s disqualification.
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on the nature of sportsmanship and the rigidity of rules in sporting events designed for athletes with disabilities.
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Advocates and fans have voiced their concerns over whether the rules might be too inflexible, failing to account for the human elements of compassion and reflexive action in high-stress situations.
Despite the disappointment Congost remains resilient and proud of her achievements emphasizing the spirit of the Paralympics and the values she upheld throughout the competition.
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